Epilepsy
FAQs
Use this section to find the answer to the most common questions we’ve been asked. If you can’t find what you are looking for drop us an email and we’ll find the answer for you.
How effective is the diet at controlling or eliminating seizures?
The diet has never been evaluated in a controlled scientific study. Studies that have followed children on the diet for long periods reveal that 1/3 of children treated with the ketogenic diet have greater than 90% seizure control with half of these children becoming seizure free. An additional 1/3 gain a 50% reduction in seizures. The remaining 1/3 discontinue the diet due to its ineffectiveness or its difficulty.
What type of seizures is the Ketogenic Diet helpful for?
The diet works for different types of seizures and has not been limited to any one type.
How does the diet work?
The special combination of foods in the ketogenic diet causes the body to use mostly fat for energy. The body makes ketones as an end result.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a special high-fat diet that is used to treat seizures. Whipping cream, fats and vegetable oils are used to provide the necessary fat. The diet eliminates foods such as sweets, bread, cereal, pasta and milk. All foods must be carefully prepared and weighed on a gram scale. Each meal must be eaten in its entirety for the diet to be the most effective. The diet was originally used in the 1920’s but fell to disuse for many years with the availability of new seizure medications.